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TUESDAY19 AUG

2014

Puka package marks refurb

Massive event for Samoa

Pacific Tourism Exhange dates

The Grand Mercure Puka Park has opened after a complete refurbishment. The Coromandel hotel, a two hour drive from Auckland, is set above Pauanui Beach.

To mark the new look of its 48 chalets and public areas the hotel is offering packages for NZ$435 per stay including 2 nights in a Rimu Chalet, breakfast for two daily, complimentary internet (public areas only), late checkout of 12 noon, bathrobes, bath essence pack, in room hot chocolate kit, complimentary bike and tennis equipment hire and two Puka-tini cocktails for guests to enjoy on arrival. Clients must travel by 31 October 2014 and book by 30 September 2014.

The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2015 will be in Melbourne on June 19 and 20. Ilisoni Vuidreketi, chief executive of the South Pacific Tourism Office, says the aim is to build on the success of the Auckland event and continue to showcase the diverse activities of 16 Pacific Island destinations to international travel partners.

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More than 2000 international participants will converge on Apia next week for the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conference. The much anticipated event will be held at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex, just outside Apia. Though the conference itself runs from September 1 to 4, a number of pre-conference activities are scheduled between 28 and 30 August.

Stats show record for QueenstownNew Zealand

Statistics New Zealand’s Commercial Accommodation Monitor (CAM) figures released recently showed that Queenstown has recorded its highest ever guest nights for a 12 month period.

For the year end June 2014 total Queenstown guest nights were up 9.8% over the previous year to 2,908,025.

Total guest nights for the month of June 2014 were also up 4.4 percent to 175,901, building on the previous record for a June month last year which had 17.7% growth on June 2012. International visitor nights for June 2014 rose 3% to 109,172, while domestic nights grew 6.9% to 66,729.

For the autumn quarter of April – June 2014, Queenstown had a total of 596,068 guest nights, an increase of 13.4% over the same period last year.

Destination Queenstown chief

executive officer Graham Budd says the growth in June was a pleasing way to kick off winter.

‘We have enjoyed record months and rates of growth over the last couple of years and our targeting of June as one of our quieter months is clearly paying off,’ says Budd.

www.queenstownnz.co.nz/Media/Statistics2_md/

Famous for its views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Queenstown’s newly renovated restaurant features new décor and a fresh menu of New Zealand dishes infused with international influences.

In a twist on the traditional buffet offering, guests can chat with chefs at live cooking stations and watch as they prepare the country’s finest produce from Southland lamb and beef to Akaroa salmon.

The restaurant also includes a mussel bar, where green-lipped mussels are served in the sauce of each customer’s

The Copper House, Queenstown has joined the Private Villa Collection by Touch of Spice.

The villa has six bedrooms and can accommodate up to 16. Each bedroom comes with modern en-suite, luxurious bedding and unspoilt lake and mountain views. The children’s wing has six bunk beds and a large cushion-lined snug

Queenstown in winter

facing a large flat screen TV.The Copper House is suitable for

hosting, with numerous entertaining rooms, including a large open-plan living/dining/kitchen area, a room with TV plus a cinema room - featuring a large cinema-style TV, projector, large seating and blackout curtain. It has extensive artwork throughout, plus a copper lined exterior.

Copper House joins Touch of Spice

Copper House

choosing, as well as a decadent dessert display featuring a floor-to-ceiling selection of sweet treats.

The restaurant renovation follows other significant enhancements to Skyline Queenstown’s food and recreation offerings over the past 18 months including the addition of a Stargazing programme.

Fresh new fare for Skyline Queenstown

This year’s Hospitality New Zealand Showcase, being held in Rotorua on 17 – 18 September has the theme The Customer is King.

‘We understand it’s a big deal for operators to take time out of their business, so we’ve made sure the line-up is well worth the time away,’ says Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson.

‘We’ve got two days packed with insights, ideas and information to help hospitality operators make their customers happy and get them coming

back for more.’The line-up includes Michelin star chef

and MasterChef NZ judge Josh Emett looking at what’s fresh on the menu, Gen Y entrepreneur Jack Delosa sharing expertise on reaching the new consumer and chief economist BERL Dr Ganesh Nana asking what future customers look like.

‘There’s also plenty of opportunity for people to catch up with fellow hospitality friends, which is a great way to get a feel for what’s happening out there,’ Robertson says.

www.hospitalitynz.org.nz

The king customer

Dining at Skyline Queenstown

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 2

The New Zealand market is performing extremely well for Great Southern Rail, registering double digit growth.

‘A lot of it is cruise and rail, but we are also seeing a rebound in FIT (free and independent travel). Both the economy and the exchange rate have improved and the market is showing really good strength,’ says Dave Atherton, GSR’s manager international.

He says the international market in general has embraced the all inclusive nature of the company’s journeys – something introduced relatively recently.

‘For the last four or five years we have been concentrating on the ‘on train’ experience, refurbishing carriages, adding flexibility to the dining, and

Queensland has secured the largest international country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere, CMC Rocks Qld to be held 13-15 March 2015. The event, previously known as CMC Rocks the Hunter, moves next year to Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich. CMC Rocks is expected to attract more than 5000 international and interstate visitors to Ipswich for the three day music festival

NZ market strong for GSRConvene Q takes shape early

A number of companies and organisations have been quick to secure stands for Convene Queensland (Convene Q) 2015 with organisers saying the early response is a testimony to the success of the inaugural event this year.

Brisbane Marketing, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, QT Hotels & Resorts, Epicure, Daydream island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays, Business Events Sunshine Coast, Hotel Grand Chancellor Queensland, and Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa are among those to have registered almost a year out from the second Convene Q.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks and Sea World Resort in the Gold Coast, and Hamilton Island, Whitsundays have also

confirmed.Convene director Stu Freeman says that

even during this year’s event last month people were keen to hear details of the ‘follow up’ in 2015. ‘We’ll be returning to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 28 July next year.’

Convene Q presents Queensland based suppliers of meeting, function, conference and incentive products and services to corporate meeting planners, association executives and professional conference and incentive organisers in Queensland, other parts of Australia and New Zealand.

Intending exhibitors can secure a stand here: www.convenequeensland.comstand-booking-2015

International markets have embraced the all inclusive nature of Great Southern Rail’s journeys

Australia

introducing the all inclusive service. For 2015 and 16 we’re really working on the off train experiences.’

He says these include the introduction of a Barossa Visit on the Sydney-Adelaide-Perth trip with the Indian Pacific and an outback sunrise ‘dawn stop’ at Marla on The Ghan.

Rocking QldAim Holidays has two night, four

star packages to the 2014 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final from $1149 per person twin share. The event is being held on 5 October at ANZ Stadium in Sydney and the package includes two nights at Holiday Inn Darling Harbour in a superior room with breakfast, guaranteed gold match ticket, and one way cruise including all beverages and a sausage sizzle from Kings Wharf to ANZ Stadium.

NRL Finals package

Wyndham Worldwide launches the first TRYP-branded hotel in the South Pacific, in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley on 1 September this year.

Located on the old Brisbane Buffalo Club site, central to the city’s entertainment precinct, the 65-room TRYP Fortitude Valley Hotel will join TRYP ‘siblings’ operating in Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Lisbon and New York.

Prior to construction, the site was an underground street art haven. As a salute to its past, the hotel will dedicate each storey to an artist and display eye-popping murals.

The hotel will also be home to UP, Brisbane’s newest rooftop bar with a

capacity for 240 people cocktail style and Chur, a lobby-level restaurant. Warren Turnbull, the two-hat chef, formerly of Restaurant Assiette, will manage both venues.

Rates start from $299 per night for a queen room.

www.trypbrisbane.com

Brisbane’s first TRYP hotel opens on 1 September TRYP hotel for

Brisbane

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 3

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Blobbing outThe creators of Sigatoka River Safari

and Off Road Caves Safari are bringing Fiji another first with the launch of the Water Blob. Guests can jump, fly and play.

Fiji’s original Water Blob is good, safe fun says owner Jay Whyte. ‘We were trying to think of what Fiji didn’t have that would be great fun and add to any holiday maker’s experience. I saw the Water Blob on a YouTube clip and said to myself ‘that’s fun’. I thought it would be awesome to do something like that in Fiji, something for both visitors and Fijians to enjoy.’

The Water Blob is a 35ft vinyl inflatable tube, designed for kids and adults of all ages to jump on and fly off.

There is a stringent safety policy in place with all guests undergoing a safety briefing before beginning the activity and all guests on the Water Blob must wear a life jacket. There will be a lifeguard on duty to supervise jumpers and ensure everyone is obeying the rules.

Two, three hour water blob sessions operate daily with a complimentary return shuttle taking guests to the Water Blob on the Sigatoka River. The shuttle departs at 10am or 2pm from the Sigatoka River Safari office in Sigatoka Town.

The high thrills, big splash Water Blob experience is for anyone 10 years and over and costs FJD$59.00 per person including three hours of fun and a complimentary return shuttle bus.

Visit: www.waterblobfiji.com

Warwick’s new images

Tonga’s runways to be upgraded

Pacific

The Warwick Fiji has released a new collection of images

As part of its brand awareness campaign, The Warwick Fiji has released a new collection of images.

Available through the Warwick International Hotels Image Gallery, the new images highlight the recent upgrade and refurbishments that were undertaken in the first half of 2014 and portray a fresh new feel to the Coral Coast destination.

The new Warwick Fiji images may be downloaded from

https://clientservices.vfmii.com/pdl/Main.html?company=warwick

The Water Blob… new in Fiji

MatangiTonga reports that T$31 million will be spent on civil works to resurface and strengthen the runways at Fua’amotu and Vava’u airports this year, with work expected to be completed next year.

Airports in Tuvalu and Kiribati will also receive assistance to upgrade their

runways under the Pacific Aviation Investment Program financed by the World Bank.

Real Tonga’s new 19-seater Jetstream 32 aircraft leased from Australia began operation last week to the outer islands of Ha’apai and Vava’u.

Starwood’s previous director of global sales NZ, Carl Amos, starts this week as director sales and marketing for Sheraton Aggie Greys Resort and Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel & Bungalows in Samoa which will join the Starwood Asia-Pacific hotels portfolio in December 2014 and February 2015 respectively.

Starwood’s main phone number in New Zealand, 09 302 9945, will connect callers with Simon Foster in the Starwood sales organisation in Melbourne, who will handle administrative needs. An Auckland-based replacement for Amos is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

Quotations and accommodation requirements should be directed to Karryn Cutcheon, email: Karryn.Cutcheon@starwoodhotels.com or Daniella Tonetto, email: Daniella.Tonetto@starwoodhotels.com. Carl Amos

Amos appointed DOSM for Aggie Greys Samoa

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 5

Paradise specialNew Zealand’s fuel and port costs

are among the highest in the world, according to international cruise line representatives.

Even though cruise passengers regularly rate their experience of New Zealand highly, the high costs of operating here are a challenge for cruise lines, delegates at Cruise New Zealand’s recent annual conference in Napier heard.

‘More than ever, established products and ports are competing globally. Auckland is competing with Port Canaveral and Barcelona. Napier is competing with Cozumel, Palma and Ushuaia,’ Royal Caribbean Cruises’ associate vice president – deployment and itinerary planning Christopher Allen says.

Combined with the trend of increasingly bigger ships, there are significant implications for New Zealand as a cruise destination. New Zealand must be prepared to host the next

High NZ costs ‘challenge’ cruise linesParadise Taveuni, Fiji has a four night

special priced from F$1800 for two adults. It includes four nights in an oceanfront air conditioned valé, all meals (full breakfast, one course lunch and two course dinner), tropical fruit platter on arrival, a Vuna Reef snorkel experience, scuba pool lesson, a romantic four course dinner for two, and return Taveuni airport road transfers.

Optional add-ons are available and the package is available for specific dates only.

On the board.....Cruise New Zealand’s 2014 Board (from left) Caroline Blanchfield, Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism; Leigh Robins, Ports of Auckland; Craig Harris, ISS-McKay; Debbie Summers, IDNZ (Deputy Chairperson); Jason Hill, ATEED; Kevin O’Sullivan, Environment Southland (Chairperson); Tony Petrie, Renaissance Tours; Geraldine Hutchison, Air NZ.

Pacific

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generation of cruise ships in order to remain competitive, Allen says.

All the same, Royal Caribbean Cruises is expecting a record number of New Zealand port visits and passenger numbers for the 2015-16 cruise season.

‘Maximise opportunity’New Zealand’s tourism industry

has opportunities to benefit more from the growing cruise market, says Crystal Cruises’ vice president – land programmes, John Stoll, speaking at the recent Cruise NZ conference.

Innovative activities and products gave both ships and passengers reason to return.

Crystal Cruises regularly schedules

events at special venues during World Cruises. Since 2003, it has featured four World Cruise events in New Zealand – in Matamata, Rotorua, Wellington and Napier. An exclusive event at the Hobbiton Movie Site in Matamata will be featured during Crystal’s 2015 World Cruise overnight stay in Tauranga to celebrate the line’s 25th Silver Anniversary.

A South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) incentive offering agents the opportunity to win an eight-night South Pacific holiday has been extended until 31 August 2014.

Launched last June the SPTO incentive is part of an ongoing accreditation programme to encourage agents to become specialists in marketing the region as a tourism destination.

Agents can upskill their knowledge of tourism product available throughout the South Pacific and sell the region with confidence.

To qualify for a chance to win the prize, agents register to become an accredited SPTO specialist by undertaking a series of online training modules and an electronically assessed examination. Agents must undergo the process before the 31 August cut off date.

Pacific training

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 6

Cruising

Holland America Line (HAL) guests who book a suite on qualifying Explore 4 itineraries receive a US$300 on-board spending credit per room (US$150 per person) and a free Canaletto dinner in addition to the other four ‘perks’ in the recently launched programme.

The other features are a free signature beverage package and free Pinnacle Grill dinner for guests booking an ocean-view and higher category stateroom, free or reduced cruise fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom on select sailings and 50%

Suite credits with Explore 4

Quantum of the Seas

reduced deposits.‘People hear the word ‘suite’ and

think it’s going to be expensive, but with four different categories to choose from and our Explore 4 benefits and savings, Holland America Line’s suites can be a great value for guests,’ says Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, sales, marketing and guest programmes. ‘All of our staterooms include pampering touches and special amenities, but the suites offer extra indulgences to enhance the cruise experience.’

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Royal Caribbean International’s massive Quantum of the Seas has been floated out at ship builder Meyer Werft’s German yard. The exercise also involved the positioning of the grand blocks for sister ship Anthem of the Seas.

Quantum is expected to travel down the Ems River for sea trials in mid- or late September.

Quantum for sea trials

Trafalgar is offering savings of $500 per person, when a deposit is paid before 31 October 2014, for next June’s one-off departure ex New Zealand to Canada and Alaska.

This 22-day itinerary encompasses Trafalgar’s scheduled Rockies Panorama trip - from Vancouver to the heart of the Rockies.

Insider highlights of the journey include talking to naturalists who share their knowledge of the landscapes and wildlife in the Rocky Mountains and Lake Louise.

This Canada and Alaska journey also includes two-day train travel on the Rocky

Mountaineer in Silver Leaf, as well as a seven-night Inside Passage cruise aboard Holland America’s MS Volendam in ocean view state rooms.

The 7 June 2015 departure is priced from $12,495 per person and includes return economy class direct flights between Auckland and Vancouver with Air New Zealand, 38 meals, first class twin-share accommodation, sightseeing, airport transfers and the services of a group leader from Auckland and a professional and experienced Trafalgar travel director.

www.trafalgar.com

Savings on Canada escorted tourVancouver’s Stanley Parks

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 7

The Taj Dubai will open later this year in the Burj Khalifa downtown area, surrounded by architectural landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Business Bay. The hotel will comprise of 296 guestrooms, including the Taj Club rooms with a host of benefits, 20 junior and 14 luxury suites.

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is focused on expanding in the Middle East.

Asia

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has added deluxe over water pool bungalows at Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, in the Maldives. This gives an additional accommodation choice for couples celebrating their honeymoon or a special occasion and brings the total room count to 67 bungalows across four accommodation types.

Anantara additionTaj hotel for Dubai

Zonta in Japan

Triangle plus Samode

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Thailand’s 47-room Sareeraya Villas and Suites hotel has just released a range of Autumn specials which include bonus incentives and a heavily discounted Spa Bliss package.

The water’s-edge property at Chewing Beach, Koh Samui, is offering

Bonuses at Koh Samui

in-house guests 20% off the weekly BBQ for guests staying three nights during September.

The deal is a available for any in house customers booked with any travel agents in Australia and New Zealand.

Adventure World has put together two of its top selling experiences to produce the new 7-day Golden Triangle and Samode Encounter. This introductory journey visits the Taj Mahal, the imperial city of New Delhi and the Pink City of Jaipur. Guests will also get to stay at the luxurious Samode Palace, known for its

opulence.Priced from $1,105 per person, twin

share this private journey includes all accommodation, some meals, transportation by private vehicle, sightseeing with local English speaking guide and entrance fees.

www.adventureworld.com

Anantara Veli Resort & Spa

About 2000 delegates from 67 countries will convene in Yokohama in 2018 for that year’s Zonta International Convention. Zonta International is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to improve the legal, political, economic, educational and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy.

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 8

Miss Universe NZ in ThailandAsia

Tourism Authority of Thailand recently hosted the Miss Universe New Zealand 2014 Top 25 finalists on a retreat in Thailand.

The group had four days in Bangkok and stayed at the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok. The finalists did a tour of The Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha, saw Muay Thai Live Show held at Asiatique Riverfront, attended art & crafts activities at Suan Sam Pran Riverside, enjoyed refreshing

cocktails with a view of Bangkok skyline at Sofitel So and participated in a cooking class held at Issaya Cooking Studio at the new Central Embassy Shopping Mall and had a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On day five, the group transferred to Pattaya and stayed at Cape Dara Resort for 2 nights. The Miss Universe New Zealand Grand Final is being held at the Sky City Theatre in Auckland on Thursday 18 September.

The Miss Universe New Zealand contestants enjoyed a retreat in Thailand recently

Korean Air and JTB NZ are organising an agent famil to South Korea. Participants will get the opportunity to taste real Kimchi, see ancient palaces, hop on a bullet train and follow in Queen Elizabeth’s footsteps to Andong (Unesco World Heritage) and get some Gangnam style.limited places are available and the dates are 16 – 23 October 2014. Applications close end of August 2014.For more details email Mike at: mike.kim@koreanair.co.nz

Famil to South Korea

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 9

Asiana Airlines – to 15 Japanese destinations from NZD 2097 RT.

Airlines

Amadeus and Fiji Airways have a new contract that ensures travel agencies in the Pacific and around the world can search and book the full range of Fiji Airways fares via Amadeus.

Amadeus-connected travel agents now have access to the same range of air fares that Fiji Airways offers through all its sales channels.

Stefan Pichler, managing director and chief executive officer, Fiji Airways says Amadeus’ extensive global travel agency

Qantas timely

network covering 195 countries made it an ideal distribution partner.

‘We want to put Fiji on the global map. We have to make sure that our growing network and our attractive fares are available everywhere around the globe for sale.

‘We’re confident this new deal with the global reservation system Amadeus will boost our worldwide sales, which is a key component of our five year growth plan.’

Amadeus – FJ contract Qantas has recorded the best on time performance in departures and arrivals for every month for the financial year 2013/14, ahead of any other major domestic airline.

Cathay Pacific Airways has joined with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to create an inflight menu featuring contemporary fine dining with a classical twist. The menu will be offered to the airline’s passengers travelling in first class between Hong Kong and London from September to December this year.

The menu features food created by two top Mandarin Oriental chefs. From 1 September to 31 October 2014, dishes created by chef Uwe Opocensky, Michelin-starred executive chef at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, will feature on flights from Hong Kong to London.

Between 1 November and 31 December 2014, passengers travelling from London to Hong Kong will enjoy a selection of dishes created by Dean Yasharian, executive chef at Bar Boulud at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.

Cathay’s first class Mandarin menu

Terrine served as part of the partnership with Mandarin Orental Hotel Group

Air Canada now has an enhanced preferred seats programme that offers customers the choice of more seats with additional legroom aboard its North American flights. It also makes booking easier through multiple channels, including the web, airport kiosks and mobile devices.

Etihad Cargo, the freight division of Etihad Airways, has a new Equine service called SkyStables, targeted at customers wishing to transport horses and other similar species by air.

Supervised by expert managers, SkyStables offers owners, breeders and equestrian organisations bespoke global transport arrangements on Etihad Cargo’s fleet of 10 Airbus and Boeing wide-body freighters.

The service, bookable now, is being rolled-out across Etihad Cargo’s scheduled network of 44 freighter destinations with personalised charter services to other cities also available.

Horses travel in dedicated stalls equipped with anti-slip floors, which are then loaded in temperature controlled sections of the aircraft.

Throughout the flight, the animals can be attended to by their grooms, ensuring arrival at their destination fit and healthy. Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, says the new product is an example of innovation being at the forefront of how Etihad continues to develop its business.

Select seats

Stable in the sky

Korean’s new systemKorean Air will introduce a new

Passenger Service System (PSS) on 31 August.

The New PSS, Amadeus Altea, is currently being used by over 130 airlines worldwide. Korean Air says the system is not only able to improve the foundation of reservation, ticketing and traffic services but is also able to enhance the Passenger Division operations.

Compared to the older PSS, the new system is more stable and has a more accurate handling of tasks. The new PSS System is also able to multitask and perform various functions more conveniently.

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 10

Europe

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Corporate

Manase Travel Studio is launching MTS Escorted Travel for people who want to do their own thing in Europe but find the thought of travelling on their own to and from the continent daunting.

Manase Travel’s Lesley Aldridge says some clients would love to go to Europe or the United Kingdom, but the thought of the journey there and back is just too daunting. The Escorted Travel option would give them a companion for the long haul flight, someone to help them through customs, to the luggage carousel etc and onto their next flight or transfer.

For the return journey they would be met at a hospitality suite and escorted home.

‘It may be that people are going on a river cruise, or visiting grand children or other family members. They will be free to do what they like, and obviously we can

Escorted there and back

Corporate travellers and the people responsible for managing their travel should expect rates to rise in 2015, particularly in high-demand travel markets.

According to a just released report, demand from emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil, and improved economic growth in advanced economies, combined with limited advances in travel supply will result in upward pressure on rates.

The Global Travel Price Outlook report was released by the GBTA Foundation (the education and research arm of the Global Business Travel Association – GBTA) and

book them onto all sorts of things if that’s what they require. But really it is about getting them there and getting them back.’

MTS director Angela Manase says that on arrival in the United Kingdom clients will be escorted to a connecting flight, private car, family or friends (or whatever other means of travel they are relying on). There will be a two night stopover on the way to make sure the client or clients arrive feeling rested.

MTS Escorted Travel will be available from June 2015 for the European summer season.

Email: lesley@manasetravel.co.nz

Lesley Aldridge

Carlson Wagonlit.‘The study reveals that travel

managers expect price increases next year across the board on travel categories including airfares, hotel room rates and rental cars,’ says Joseph Bates, GBTA Foundation vice president of research.

‘Risks to the forecast, including the escalating Ukrainian crisis, declining European inflation, burgeoning debt in China and oil price shocks could potentially have a negative influence on travel demand and pricing however. So travel managers are advised to consider contingencies for these risks in their planning,’ says Bates.

Corporate travel costs going up

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 11

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Industry

Scenic Tours will hold a series of free world information sessions from 15 - 17 September.

In partnership with local travel agents, Scenic Tours is promoting its Europe and France river cruising, plus Canada, Alaska and USA programmes. This includes the opportunity to learn about new products for 2015 including the 11 day Bordeaux river cruise through the south west region of France.

Sessions will take place in Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland. Scenic will drive guests to book with a Scenic specialist at their preferred local travel agents.

All sessions are free but seats are limited. Agents are encouraged to register clients online and attend with

them on the day.- Monday 15 September 2014 -

Ferrybank, Grantham Street, Hamilton:12pm Europe river cruising 1.30pm

France river cruising 3pm Canada, Alaska and USA

- Tuesday 16 September 2014 - Mills Reef Winery, 143 Moffat Road, Tauranga:

10am Europe river cruising 11.30am France river cruising 1pm Canada, Alaska and USA

- Wednesday 17 September 2014 - Langham Hotel, Symonds Street, Auckland:

10am Europe river cruising 1130am France river cruising 1pm Canada, Alaska and USA

Boutique cruise specialist, The Innovative Travel Co. has a new sales incentive for travel agents during August. French family owned CroisiEurope River & Coastal cruises has been highlighted in the promotion, which gives agents the chance to win a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne. Agents should read the latest CroisiEurope newsletter outlining the cruise features and current early-booking offers, then click on the link to answer a five question quiz correctly and be in the draw.

Bookings and enquiries FREEPHONE 0508 100 111 info@innovative-travel.com

A Champagne sales incentive in August

Trafalgar has released its 2015 South America programme. It has 19 itineraries, including three new guided holidays and two new cruise extensions. The portfolio provides agents with an extensive range of guided holidays that blend iconic sights with local experiences that are exclusive to Trafalgar.

Spanning Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Patagonia, as well as Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and the Galapagos, the programme is suited to clients seeking a cultural connection with South America. Each itinerary includes Trafalgar’s Insider Experiences.

Guided holidays range from eight to 23 days’ duration across a variety of trip styles.

Trafalgar’s Latin tours

Trafalgar offers Insider Experiences

Travellers who book before 30 October 2014 can benefit from an early payment discount of 10%, combinable with Trafalgar’s frequent traveller discounts to enable another 5% saving.

Competition amongst the agent teams was fierce with many wanting to be the winning team at the Sydney Pub Quiz nights held in Christchurch and Auckland this week.

‘Agent feedback was that this was a fun night to test their knowledge and to learn about the wide range of events and experiences on offer for Sydney in Summer,’ says Samantha Cameron, country manager New Zealand with Destination NSW.

The winning team in Christchurch was Hunter Valley Hotties with

The American Samoa Visitors Bureau will participate in the PrevuTrade travel agent site. This comes hot on the heels of confirmed participation by other Pacific suppliers.

PrevuTrade was launched in April to give travel agents a library of information on destinations, hotels, activities, tours etc.

The site continues to expand adding new destinations, content and enhancing its services and functionality.

The site is free to travel agents but registration is required for access.

American Samoa in PrevuTrade

Scenic’s info sessions

Janine Keys, team leader, HOT Product Christchurch winning the trip for two to Sydney.

The winning team in Auckland was the New Adventures of Old team with Pauline Gooding, team leader, Student Flights Auckland winning the trip for two to Sydney.

The Sydney in Summer campaign will commence soon with Destination NSW providing destinational features in TRAVELinc Memo to help agents make the most of this campaign.

NSW Pub Quiz big hit with agents

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 12

Travel awards a sell out

Talking Vanuatu

Quickest ‘one stop’to LA: TN reminder

The TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards 2014 have just been declared a sell-out, says The Travel Agents Association of New Zealand’s chief executive officer Andrew Olsen.

‘If you haven’t got a ticket, you’ll have to hear about it afterwards,’ he says.

The awards are being held on Saturday 30 August at the Pullman Hotel Auckland and Olsen says industry support has been overwhelming. ‘The first year is not without its moments of discovery and the industry has adopted a wonderful, collaborative approach.’

He advises that people should not be late for the event. ‘We will be starting with a surprise.’

Air Tahiti Nui is reminding agents and their clients that it offers the quickest one-stop route from Auckland to Los Angeles in under 15 hours.

‘One-stop flights via Australia and other Pacific points can take more than 18 hours,’ says Air Tahiti Nui general manager New Zealand Mark Hutchinson.

The airline is running a ‘cheeky’ advert in this edition of TRAVELinc Memo (see page 4) to emhpasise the point.

Air Tahiti Nui’s total journey time to LAX takes around 14h50 with a quick 1h45m transit in Tahiti.

As one of only two carriers with direct flights from Auckland to Papeete, the airline offers a swift leg-stretch transit in Papeete to break the long-haul flight or the option of a stopover in the magical islands of Tahiti.

‘There’s a bit of confusion out there about the quickest and best way for Kiwis to get Los Angeles, other than a non-stop flight, so we thought it was time to clear the air,’ says Hutchinson.

This year’s Tok Tok travel exchange in Vanuatu will attract 55 international wholesalers and travel agent companies from New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, China, Europe and the United States.

Being held from 25 – 30 August, the event will also involve 96 sellers from 49 local tourism companies as well as 10 media representatives from New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, and Europe.

Industry / Late breaks

editor@travelmemo.co.nzStu Freeman: EditorRuth Scott and Aleisha Moore: JournalistsGary Covich: GraphicsPO Box 60-154 TitirangiAuckland 0642 

Ph: + 64 9 818 7807 Mob + 0274 842 863Fax + 64 9 818 7864www.travelinc.co.nzCopyright: No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without the prior written approval of the publisher

TRAVEL &TOURISMONLINENEWS

DIGESTUPLOADED OVERNIGHT MON & THU

TRAVEL &TOURISMONLINENEWS

DIGESTUPLOADED OVERNIGHT MON & THU

‘We must respect faith, but doubt is what gives you wisdom.’

‘Travelling via New Zealand’s ‘west island’ - Australia - is a geographical back-track and can take more than 19 hours to reach Los Angeles. By comparison, Air Tahiti Nui offers a straight-line service from New Zealand to LA in under 15 hours with a pit-stop in paradise.’

PEARL’s PEARLER

Over 120 European destinations ... now that’s Wunderbar!

Andrew Olsen More than 500 delegates from around the world will set their sights on Auckland in February 2018 with the city winning the rights to host the Retina International World Congress 2018.

Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) – part of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) – worked with Retina New Zealand and The University of Auckland to secure the hosting rights, with support from Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme (CAP) bid fund.

Destination marketing, hotel loyalty programmes and accommodation management will be hot topics for Best Western hoteliers attending the 2014 Best Western Australasia Convention 23 to 27 August in Hobart.

It will run over five days at Best Western Hobart and up to 180 delegates will attend a series of presentations and workshops addressing the latest developments in revenue management, property design, sales and marketing and customer care.

More than 30 industry suppliers, including gold sponsor Telstra, will join hoteliers to present their products and services at trade shows and off-site meetings during the event.

Hoteliers meet in Tasmania

Auckland in sight

SKAL Auckland International has a function with a difference planned for early next month. Instead of a lunch, the 4 September event is named Spring Cocktails at The Viaduct and will start at 6pm. The event is sponsored by TRAVELinc.

Spring with Skal

TrAvElinc Memo 19 August 2014 13